Illustrious Cards and Games LLC — Local services in Woodbridge Township

Edit: after posting my review, I noticed several reviews trying to pump up the ratings while trying to hide or discredit those of us who brought up the toxic culture of bullying and intolerance with one reviewer accusing folks who leave low reviews, as trying to tarnish the reputation of the store. If that reviewer looked at older reviews, they'd see that this is nothing new.

In addition, it seems like the owners may be accusing one reviewer of some drama that happened online? Who even brings that up in response to a review? That's EXTREMELY unprofessional and immature.

It's clear that the owners are trying to cover up the toxic culture that festers at this location, and I wonder if they're involved in the drama they're speaking of. This may explain why slurs and offensive language was used and not corrected or called out when I visited.

I recommend other stores.

Original review:

Went in a few days ago to pick up some Pokémon cards for my brother since I was passing through. Prices were a bit high for my liking but I considered a few purchases anyway.

While I was there I herd a few a patrons throwing around some rather offensive terms, many aimed at people from particular groups or communities. I tried to ignore it but felt uncomfortable especially when a particular slur was thrown out from somewhere behind me.

Now I'm not sure if the patrons were aware that I'm a woman because of how I was dressed, but I left without making a purchase when I saw that staff didn't make any moves to call them out on such language. While I hoped it wasn't aimed at me, it gives the the impression that the atmosphere at this location is toxic, support a culture of bullying, harassment and intolerance towards others.

I hope this was a one off event and that this isn't the norm. This is a poor example to new and younger players, and seems threatening towards women of folks from other communities. This kind of behavior doesn't further healthy growth or interaction within the community.

I will not be returning and will not recommend this location due to the lack of action by staff to curb such poor behavior. I also can not and will not recommend this location to and friends who are in marginalized groups and I fear they could be targeted.

I encourage staff and the owners to start taking steps to curb such toxic behavior within their store as it's very offputting and a poor example to set for younger...

Illustrious, as a store, has amazing variety in the TCGs they stock. The ownership/employees are incredibly knowledgeable in their inventory and the greater TCG community.

That being said, why am I giving this store only 2 stars?

Unfortunately, Illustrious and its employees are permissible to a store culture of bullying and harassment of those who don’t fit the traditional mold of a TCG player.

Many of the customers, who are permitted to remain in the store for long hours, are not accepting towards those not like them. They either are complacent in the bullying that does occur, or actively participate in the intimidation and harassment. Management is aware that this occurs and has done very little to prevent this.

Ownership creates the culture of the store they run and the culture at Illustrious is incredibly toxic to those who are frequently ‘othered’ in other communities.

If you are said people, don’t let the store’s variety fool you; take your business elsewhere. They are other places of business who craft a more welcoming environment.

I regret all the money I have spent at this store.

Edit: Hey, um, not the person you are talking about? I...

Summary(their prizing is terrible)

Went to ICG for the first time today for a one piece tourney, entry fee was 25 dollars, and you only get 3 partipation pack. They didnt do any prize packs at all and just gave the standard bandai prizing that you get from going to the official one piece shop for free.

Never have I thought man even if I win 5 games I wont get anything.

Prizing was dog water and will probably not play here again.

Edit in response of reply

I am in no way trying to have some malicious intent, I am just stating the truth/what happened.

I know many other stores who also hosted the same event but had a diffrent prize/entry fee structure including ones that gave a lot better prizing. Take for example the bandai store themselves in new jersey, Their entry fee was 15 not 25, so where did that extra 10 dollars go? I also know another LGS that gave a booster box for first place, so it seems your just using bandai as a crutch for the expensive entry fee and trash prizing. Also, you could have at least given op9 or even op12 packs, which I saw you guys have, instead of the cheapest op10 packs that is the lease wanted...